Hi CurlyQ - Meridia™ (sibutramine?) is a different kind of stimulant. While one of it's major metabolites does block dopamine reuptake, the parent molecule is far more potent at blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. This actually blows me away, because this would indicate that it's actions basically make it Effexor™ (venlafaxine).

To tell you the truth, I am not a big fan of "diet pills" and go for exercise and diet changes (ie. lifestyle modification) as the way to take "some" weight off, and more importantly, keep it off. I also point out to people to look at the shape of their parents...genetics screws you every time. ( Therefore, I have not really looked into the mechanism of action of Meridia, except for a cursory look at the drug company information that has come across my desk.

Since Meridia (like Effexor) blocks both serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, you would expect it to be marketed as an antidepressant. Since Effexor causes weight gain in many people, you would expect Meridia to "cause" weight gain, instead of weight loss. Hmmmm...

I have being saying for a long time that the real antidepressant activity of SSRI-like drugs (or any antidepressants for that matter) have little to do with their effect at serotonin (or norepinephrine or dopamine) sites. The binding to, and blocking of, the reuptake sites seem to be what all these molecules have in common....except Wellbutrin™ (bupropion). It is the "excepts" that kill theories.

So, to get back on track, you asked if Meridia affected your dopamine system. Probably not. But, I am not really sure I understand how Meridia works. By drug company accounts, Meridia "should not" disrupt the dopamine system. I tend to believe a drug company when they say this in their product monographes. A product monograph, which tells about a drug, it's actions, side effects, contraindications, doasges, etc., is pretty much a lawyer's document; written by lawyers for lawyers. The drug company, with this document, tend to fully cover their butts. The only "fudge factor" I see them using is the weaker blocking of dopamine reuptake by one of Meridia's metabolites; but I don't see this as a major action, and may only contribute to some side effects.

Sorry that I cannot help anymore than this, but I hope that this clears up some of your concerns. - Cam

"Sometimes you can see the light in the strangest of places, if you look at it right". "Scarlet Begonias" - Robert Hunter